CPLT Special Issue Publication Guidelines

Special Issues (SIs) of the Journal of Creative Practices in Language Learning and Teaching (CPLT) are only published upon special requests by academic institutions or organisations. To maintain the highest academic and ethical standards, the following guidelines apply to all SI proposals, Guest Editors, reviewers, and contributors.

1. Proposal Submission and Approval

• All requests or proposals for a Special Issue must be submitted in writing to the Chief Editor.
• Each proposal will undergo careful evaluation by the Editorial Board, and approval will only be granted when the proposed theme, expertise of Guest Editors, and potential contributions demonstrate strong academic merit and clear relevance to CPLT’s scope.
• Proposals must include:– A clear thematic rationale and scholarly significance
  – A proposed title and description of intended topics
  – Brief biographies of the proposed Guest Editor(s)
  – A tentative list of potential contributors (optional)
  – A proposed timeline for the call for papers, review process, and publication
• Acceptance is not automatic; the Editorial Board reserves the right to decline proposals that do not meet CPLT’s quality expectations.
  
  

2. Role and Responsibilities of Guest Editors

• Guest Editors of an approved Special Issue must:
• Comply fully with CPLT’s editorial, ethical, and peer-review policies
  Ensure a fair, transparent, and independent review process
  Declare and avoid conflicts of interest with submitting authors
  Communicate consistently with the Editorial Office throughout the SI process
  Submit an editorial introduction for the Special Issue
  Maintain thematic coherence and ensure the academic integrity of all accepted papers
• CPLT reserves the right to intervene or revoke guest editorship if quality standards are compromised.

3. Submission and Review Process

• All SI submissions undergo the same double-blind peer-review process used for regular issues.
• Manuscripts must not bypass or receive preferential treatment.
• Each paper must be reviewed by at least two qualified, independent reviewers.
• Guest Editors may recommend reviewers but may not serve as reviewers.
• Final acceptance rests with the Chief Editor to ensure quality control.

4. Quality Assurance and Editorial Oversight

• The Chief Editor may revise or reject manuscripts not meeting CPLT’s standards.
• A Special Issue must demonstrate theoretical depth, originality, methodological rigour, and relevance.
• All accepted manuscripts undergo the same copyediting and formatting processes as regular submissions.
• CPLT may delay, restructure, or cancel an SI if quality is compromised.

5. Ethical Compliance

All submissions must comply with CPLT’s Publishing Ethics & Policies, including:

• Authorship and contributorship criteria
• Conflict of interest disclosure
• Data availability and transparency
• Ethical approval for human-participant research
• Plagiarism and misconduct policies

Guest Editors must report ethical concerns immediately.

6. Timeline and Coordination

• A publication timeline must be agreed upon prior to launching the SI.
• Guest Editors ensure timely processing of submissions and reviews.
• Delays must be communicated promptly.
• CPLT may adjust the timeline to preserve review quality.

7. Composition of the Special Issue

• Guest Editors may contribute one article or editorial; it must undergo double-blind review.
• No more than 25% of the SI may come from Guest Editors or the same research group.

8. Post-Publication Responsibilities

• Guest Editors assist with any required corrections, clarifications, or ethical follow-ups.
• Complaints or appeals follow CPLT’s standard procedures.
• The archiving of Special Issues adheres fully to CPLT’s existing archiving procedures for regular issues.